From farmer to plate. It all starts on the land, with the grower.
A behind-the-scenes look at asparagus farming in North Limburg.
|Fenna Bisschops|Reading time: 14 minutes|
Anyone driving into the yard of Peeters Asperges in Helden will notice it immediately: everything here is about attention and craftsmanship. The asparagus fields look peaceful, while behind the scenes work is in full swing. Asparagus is sorted, peeled and packed in the warehouse. In the shop, the fresh products are ready for visitors.
Behind every asparagus is a meticulous process. Asparagus grows underground in raised beds of sand. As soon as a head shows itself on the surface, they are staked by hand. This is often done early in the morning, as temperature and freshness play a major role in quality.
After cutting, the asparagus are immediately chilled to preserve their freshness. Next, the sorting process begins. This involves looking at thickness, colour and shape. Straight, snow-white asparagus of equal length is most sought after and goes to restaurants or shops. Asparagus with a different shape or slight discolouration are put to other uses, such as soups or processed products.
In this way, virtually the entire harvest is utilised. This suits the mentality of the region: careful use of what the land provides.
The story of Johan Peeters
During the season, the days of Johan Peeters and his family are well filled. He walks back and forth between the shed, the shop and the yard, where there is always something happening. Just starting up the machines, getting asparagus from the cold store or going through an order.
Outside, asparagus pickers start their rounds early, while inside, the first asparagus of the day is sorted and processed. It's all about freshness and timing. You want what you get out of the ground in the morning to reach the customer as quickly as possible, Johan says. That's where the difference in quality really lies.
The kitchen also works immediately with the daily fresh harvest. The asparagus soup made here is a household name in the area. Richly filled and often sold out the same day. Johan smiles when it is brought up: "Almost never is there anything left over."
Why asparagus grows so well here
North Limburg is known as an important area for asparagus cultivation. This has everything to do with the sandy soil. This allows asparagus to grow straight up as the soil provides little resistance. This keeps them nice in shape and structure.
In addition, experience naturally plays a major role. Knowledge about growing, harvesting and processing asparagus is often passed on from generation to generation. At Peeters Asperges, you can clearly see this combination of tradition and craftsmanship. It really is a family business and everyone helps out. Yet at Peeters Asperges, it's not just about growing. It's about experiencing. Johan enjoys it when people come in with that familiar feeling: finally, they're here again.
"People look forward to it for a year, which also gives us pleasure. Every morning you get back to it with energy to give people a taste of happiness. "
Johan Peeters
From farmer to plate
Everything comes together in the farm shop. Visitors will find not only fresh asparagus here, but also products to put together a full meal. Think homemade soup and specialities that incorporate asparagus. Most of the processing is done on the farm itself. Machines carefully peel the asparagus, after which they are checked by hand. Precisely because the farm is small-scale, quality can be closely monitored.
Restaurants in the region also use Peeters' asparagus. Ahead of the season, contact is already being made about the expected start of the harvest. As soon as the first asparagus are available, chefs and entrepreneurs quickly find their way to Helden. About 15 restaurants participate including care institutions and local vegetable farmers. In short, everyone wants to taste and sell the good quality of Peeters asparagus.
Make it a complete visit
RV sites have been set up next to the fields, allowing visitors to experience the asparagus season up close. Harvesting begins in the early morning and those who get there in time can watch the asparagus cutters make their rounds. Later in the day, visitors can watch the fresh crop being sorted, peeled and prepared for sale in the shed.
It gives an insight into the rhythms of the season and shows how much work goes behind a product that often ends up on the plate as a matter of course.
At the same time, the surroundings invite you to make more of it than a short visit. The region is perfect for a cycling tour of other farms and local addresses. Nearby restaurants have asparagus in abundance on the menu during this period, often straight from the land.
Thus, a visit to Peeters Asperges quickly grows into a complete experience. And those who go home with fresh asparagus at the end of the day or weekend break will not only take home a local product, but also a better idea of the craftsmanship and the story behind it.
Discover more asparagus growers in the region-In North Limburg, a cosy farm shop with asparagus is never far away.
At Kwekerij Berns, you get the white gold straight from the grower. Fresh asparagus, strawberries, soups and everything for a complete asparagus dinner.
Fresh from the grower: asparagus for home, pure and without fuss at Vullings Asperges Heijen.
In
Heijen
Tip in the region: Chateau Holtmühle
Located just outside Venlo, Château Holtmühle is a practical and peaceful base for a stay in the region. From the hotel you can be in the city in no time, but also in the surrounding greenery or at smaller villages with local shops and producers.
The estate itself offers peace and comfort above all, with a historic feel without feeling too formal. After a day in the area, you can relax and have a quiet dinner or sit outside for a while.
A nice place to explore the region, with everything close by and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions to asparagus growers
The asparagus season usually runs from early spring to around the end of June. During this period, fresh asparagus is cut daily and sold in shops at Peeters Asperges, among others.
Yes, you can just walk into the farm shop. The surroundings and fields are also free to look around. If you want to camp there, you can make reservations on the website.
Sure. Besides fresh asparagus, you will also find asparagus soup, prepared products and specials such as asparagus bitterballen and sausage rolls.But also various fruits, vegetables and also products such as wine.
Yes, RV sites have been set up next to the fields. So you can literally experience the asparagus season up close.
